NCJ Number
94185
Date Published
1983
Length
280 pages
Annotation
This feasibility study, which examines the current practices and future needs of the Westchester County (New York) juvenile secure detention system, summarizes the data collected, the analyses and evaluations made, and the recommendations developed.
Abstract
Data were collected through various surveys, interviews, reports, and secondary and primary data sources. Several research methodologies were designed and used to synthesize the collected data. The study recommends the building of a new multiservice, multifunction secure detention facility which would improve service, reduce operation costs, and provide a secure, humane environment. A total capacity of 24 beds will address peak loads and county population growth to the year 2000. The facility design will provide for high and low security beds for 16 boys; flexible security beds for girls; and 3 special beds for diagnostic, medical, or isolation cases. Also recommended is the development of a juvenile detention system that endorses a continuum-of-care concept. This would provide for various physical and operational programs that respond to the various needs of the juvenile population served. Further, the report recommends the adoption of legal, judicial, or other system changes to improve the juvenile justice system. Improvements should include better coordination and cooperation among key agencies, consensus about overall goals, in-county secure detention for females, reduction in length of court processing for all juveniles, and implementation of a uniform juvenile classification system. Tabular and graphic data are provided.